Development and implementation of an innovative module to support children with autism spectrum disorders, within the Pomelody application.

Project facts

Project promoter:
POMELODY SPÓŁKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ(PL)
Project Number:
PL-INNOVATION-0089
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€185,357
Final project cost:
€292,533

Description

Autism is an increasingly common disorder and attracts a lot of attention of researchers, but tools for its detailed diagnosis are still far from perfect. It has been confirmed that individuals on the autism spectrum are usually extremely sensitive, and therefore arts, and in particular music, are an important part of their lives and have therapeutic potential.

However, autistic children usually have no other option but to use on-line audiovisual materials, publicly available on such channels as YouTube, and filled with contents of a highly diverse nature, often of low quality and even harmful.

We do believe that autistic children need a unique and customized content which is rich and diverse, has high substantive and aesthetic quality, and may be used as development or entertainment material and potentially as a therapeutic tool. That is why under this project we intend to develop and market the POMELODY SPECIAL NEEDS module which will be a part of the existing Pomelody application.

To this end, we have planned to use advisory services to extend the Pomelody application (pomelody.com) which offers a variety of music products for children aged 0-6, with a module and functionalities tailored to the needs of children with autism. These functionalities will have therapeutic effect on the mental (stress reduction, alleviation of extreme emotions) and the physical (varied scope of disorders, including auditory hypersensitivity). The target group will be provided with safe audiovisual contents which will primarily play an educational role and simultaneously induce the therapeutic effect. No solution of the kind has been available in Poland so far. In addition, the application will be free of any advertising that may be detrimental to autistic individuals.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several key issues and challenges faced by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It sought to overcome the limitations of available tools and content for parents to engage, entertain, and develop their children at home. These include stress management, behavior issues, parent-child bonding, accessing educational resources, skill development, community support, and convenience. By creating a mobile app with therapeutic music and content, the project sought to offer solutions. Many existing resources may not cater specifically to the needs of children with ASD, making it difficult for parents to find appropriate materials.  Therapeutic interventions are crucial for the development and well-being of these children, yet finding suitable resources can be challenging for parents. By providing a mobile app with targeted therapeutic music and other supportive features, the project aimed to bridge this gap and offer accessible solutions for families. Parents of children with ASD experience immense stress due to the demands of caregiving. The app provides relaxation tools like therapeutic music to help alleviate stress. It also offers strategies for managing challenging behaviors through calming techniques and sensory integration exercises. Facilitating parent-child bonding is crucial. The app includes interactive activities promoting engagement and communication, strengthening the parent-child relationship. Access to educational resources is vital for parents to navigate their child''s condition effectively. The app offers articles, videos, and expert advice on various ASD-related topics. Skill development is another focus. Interactive modules target skills like communication and social interaction, empowering parents to support their child''s growth at home. Community support is provided through forums and chat groups where parents can connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support. Finally, the app''s mobile platform ensures convenient access to support tools anytime, anywhere,enhancing its usability and effectiveness in assisting parents of children with ASD. The project aimed to address several key issues and challenges faced by parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).Finally, the app''s mobile platform ensures convenient access to support tools anytime, anywhere, enhancing its usability and effectiveness in assisting parents of children with ASD.

The project developed a mobile app specifically tailored to support parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder through various activities and outputs:

1. Therapeutic Content: the app offered a rich and curated selection of therapeutic content, including calming music, rhythmic songs, soothing sounds, aimed at reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being for parents.

2. Skill Development Modules: provided parents with tools and exercises to support their child''s skill development, focusing on areas such as communication, social interaction, and sensory integration.

3. Real-Time Progress Monitoring: the app included features for real-time progress monitoring, allowing parents to track their child''s development and behavior patterns over time. This featureprovided valuable insights for parents and caregivers to adapt their strategies accordingly.

4. Personalization: the app allowed for personalization based on the specific needs and preferences of each child and family. Parents could customize the content and activities to best suit their child''s individual requirements and interests.

5. Custom Playlist Creation: parents had the option to create custom playlists of therapeutic music and activities tailored to their child''s preferences and therapeutic needs. This feature enabled parents to create a personalized and effective therapeutic environment for their child at

home.

6. SOS Song Feature: a unique "SOS Song" feature is available within the app, offering immediate access to calming music or other therapeutic content in moments of crisis or distress. This feature provided quick relief for both parents and children during challenging situations.

7. Easy Subscription Access: the app offered a user-friendly subscription model, providing parents with convenient access to all features and updates. This ensured seamless and uninterrupted access to the app''s resources and support tools.

The project yielded significant outcomes benefiting both children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their parents. For children, the app provided access to therapeutic music content meticulously designed to foster calmness, facilitate language development, and support routine

activities. Consequently, children experienced enhancements in emotional regulation, communication skills, and overall well-being. For parents, the app served as a valuable resource for mitigating stress and anxiety, offering a means to unwind without intrusive ads or excessive screen time. The availability of personalized content options empowered parents to tailor the app to their child''s specific needs, thereby augmenting their capacity to support their child''s development at home.

Overall, the project''s achievements translated into an improved quality of life for both children with ASD and their parents. Moreover, it facilitated increased access to simple therapeutic content for families encountering similar challenges.

On a business level, the project bolstered visibility and reputation within the market by pioneering an innovative solution tailored to the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. This success could pave the way for prospective partnerships with

healthcare providers, educational institutions, or advocacy groups, thereby expanding the business''s reach and influence. Furthermore, the app adopts a monetization strategy, wich means the business will generate revenue through subscriptions, in-app purchases, and collaborations with pertinent advertisers or sponsors. The project''s accomplishments could contribute to the long-term sustainability and advancement of the business.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.